Chief Executive Officer
Edmonton Public Library

Purpose

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO has overall responsibility, accountability, and authority for leading, directing, and executing the activities of the Edmonton Public Library (EPL). In collaboration with the Board, the CEO establishes EPL’s strategic directions and implements the Library’s Business Plan, providing strategic and operational leadership to more than 650 employees across EPL’s multiple service points. The CEO provides executive oversight of the annual operating budget (in excess of $64 million) and capital budgets.

As the key spokesperson and ambassador for the Library locally and nationally, the Chief Executive Officer develops and fosters relationships with key stakeholders in the community to promote EPL, cultivate support, and invite participation.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Authorities

In accordance with EPL policy, the CEO is responsible for, and has authority to accomplish, the following:

1. Leadership and Strategic Direction

• In conjunction with the Board of Trustees, engage in strategic planning activities to establish EPL’s long‑range goals, objectives, and funding requirements.
• Provide strategic leadership and vision to EPL and its staff, establishing and delivering excellent public library services while strategically managing human, financial, information, and other resources to achieve business results.
• Lead and provide executive oversight to the development and execution of the Library’s Business Plan, policies, procedures, and business practices.
• Nurture a culture of engagement, openness, and innovation focused on fulfilling EPL’s mission, vision, and business plan; cultivate high‑performing executive and senior leadership teams in a values‑based culture.
• Foster a successful human resources strategy to recruit and retain competent and engaged employees committed to corporate values and excellent customer service, including leadership development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Build and sustain trust in the Library through collaboration, openness, stewardship, accountability, and respect.
• Direct the development, assessment, and communication of organizational performance through performance indicators measuring the accomplishment of the Library’s Strategic Directions and the success of EPL’s programs, services, and operations.
• Ensure EPL has a comprehensive and effective policy framework meeting all legal and regulatory requirements and effectively mitigating organizational risk.
• Cultivate the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that enhances EPL’s public image and increases awareness and participation in services.

2. Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Direct the strategic financial management of the Library, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and auditing, to ensure sustainability with appropriate risk identification and management.
• Oversee preparation of operating and capital budgets and financial planning for Board approval, ensuring realistic reflection of anticipated expenditures.
• Provide executive oversight of operating and capital expenditures and conduct Library affairs within approved budgets.
• Direct preparation and establishment of the Library’s multi‑year Capital Plan and priorities for Board approval.
• Ensure the Library’s vision and interests are prioritized and represented for new construction, facility renovation and/or expansion.
• Prepare and present Library budgets (operating and capital) for City Council approval, including statistical reports, cost analysis, and advocacy tools as required.
• Assume ultimate responsibility for the Library’s assets and the deployment of resources to meet established goals and objectives.
• Oversee development and implementation of a robust fund development program; establish and maintain relationships with donors and funders and report quarterly to the Board on fundraising progress..

3. Board Relations

• Work with the Board and Committee Chairs to support governance responsibilities and optimal Board performance.
• Build and nurture trust with the Chair and Trustees through open communication, collaboration, stewardship, accountability, and respect.
• Support Board focus on strategic thinking, priorities, and governance development.
• Provide information, expertise, and advice to support Board decision‑making in areas including planning, policy development, recruitment, orientation, budgeting, and issue management.
• Assist the Board Chair with duties including agenda development, meeting minutes, and anticipating emerging issues.
• Represent and communicate Board philosophies and directions throughout the organization.
• Recommend and develop governance policies and revisions for Board consideration.
• Develop procedures for implementation of Board policy.
• Prepare regular CEO and other reports, including the Annual Report.
• Partner with the Board to ensure practices comply with relevant legislation, including Human Rights, the Alberta Libraries Act, the Labour Relations Act, and the Employment Standards Act.

4. Library Advocate & Ambassador

• Advocate and appropriately position EPL by representing the Library with decision‑makers, library communities, elected officials, partners, and the broader community.
• Represent EPL in discussions and negotiations to foster collaboration and partnerships that advance the Library’s vision and goals.
• Tell the EPL story in public forums, media engagements, presentations, guest lectures, and public or corporate events.
• Represent the Library on external boards, committees, and advisory teams as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with external stakeholders, including City Council, City Administration, Alberta Municipal Affairs, and CSU 52.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to:     EPL Board of Trustees

Reports:          Chief Financial Officer

                           Executive Director, Employee Experience

                           Executive Director, Customer Experience

                           Executive Director, Collections & Technology